Sector: Print and media Tools and techniques: emissions standards, waste management Author: Kent Art Printers The Kent Art Printers (KAP) is a small to medium-sized printing company based in Chatham Kent. In 1990 it moved to an environmentally sensitive site near an aquifer in the Capstone area of town and decided to look at some of the greener production options available, one of which was the emerging technique of ‘alcohol-free’ printing using conventional (not waterless) litho presses. Processes: a programme of testing was devised, and by the end of 1990, after experimentation with chemistry, new rollers, new press settings and operating techniques, KAP were running 100 per cent alcohol-free (with no Isopropyl Alcohol used in the factory). The introduction of vegetable-based inks in 2003 revealed some technical advantages over mineral oil-based inks and has enhanced sustainability. KAP now uses vegetable inks as standard on 100 per cent of its litho presses. Adopting a ‘mission statement’ that incorporated green principles, and pushing for further green improvements in all departments enabled the company to market its environmental advantages, and to formalise its environmental efforts with an environmental management system (EMS). The second environmental impact resulting from the start of their ISO14001 programme in 2003 was the targeting of waste to landfill. Improvements were made in the way waste was sorted, and cardboard is now collected and recycled separately instead of being skipped, whilst plastics are also separated. Waste pallets are collected and re-used where possible by the original supplier. Other work that helps the environment is the adoption of on-press colour management technologies to reduce production waste from start-up and colour variation (when compared to manual methods). Impact: KAP is located in a residential area, which, if KAP were not printing using alcohol-free processes, would be subjected to two tonnes of airborne solvent (VOC) emissions per annum. (VOCs, combined with other pollutants and sunlight, lead to the formation of ground level ozone, which is bad for health and plants). It is believed that eight per cent of current accounts have CSR and or the environment as a key reason why KAP are used. Also approximately 14 per cent of new account enquiries are believed to have been received because of environmental or CSR issues. Waste reduction and recycling programme in 2003 resulted in a 35 per cent reduction in skip use. This is equivalent to 93 cubic metres saved, and £560 in disposal costs A waste reduction and maintenance programme in 2003 resulted in a 25 per cent saving of water used – equivalent to 250,000 litres, which at current rates is £385 saved Renewable wind-powered energy used to power site Better working environment due to ‘alcohol-free’ printing and reduced solvent emissions www.kap.co.uk